Diaphragm And A Diaphragm Pump

ABSTRACT

A diaphragm for a diaphragm pump, which diaphragm is asymmetrical about its longitudinal axis wherein the diaphragm has a central portion and a surrounding annular convolute portion. The convolute portion has a minimum depth and a maximum depth at diametrically opposed positions of the annular convolute. The convolute depth gradually increases from the minimum depth to the maximum depth between the diametrically opposed positions along each opposing half-section of the annular convolute. The invention also provides a diaphragm pump with the asymmetrical diaphragm.

This invention relates to a diaphragm and in particular to a diaphragm for use with pumps commonly used in marine products.

Diaphragm pumps are well known in the prior art comprising a flexible diaphragm in place of a piston. One type of pump which commonly uses a flexible diaphragm is a bilge pump and bilge pumps currently available use a symmetric diaphragm with a diaphragm support plate attached thereto. A pumping arm/handle is coupled to the diaphragm support plate by a hinge which allows the pivotal motion of the pumping arm/handle to be converted into substantially reciprocating motion of the diaphragm support plate.

It is an object of the present invention to remove the need for a hinge coupling between the diaphragm support plate and the pumping arm of the pump thereby reducing the number of moving parts in the pump in order to reduce manufacturing, assembly and maintenance costs.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a diaphragm which is asymmetrical about its longitudinal axis.

Preferably, the diaphragm has a central portion and a surrounding annular convolute portion, the convolute portion having a minimum depth and a maximum depth at diametrically opposed positions of the annular convolute, the convolute depth gradually increasing from the minimum depth to the maximum depth between the diametrically opposed positions along each opposing half-section of the annular convolute.

Ideally, the diaphragm has a flange disposed along the free edge of the convolute.

Preferably, the flange is an inverted L-shape in cross-section.

Ideally, a locating lug extends from the free end of inverted L-shaped flange at least one position of the circumference of the flange. Advantageously, the lug prevents the diaphragm from rotating relative to any body it is mounted on by engaging with an aperture formed in the body.

Ideally, the central portion is a plate.

Preferably, the plate is a flat disc.

Ideally, the plate has an ovoid shape.

Preferably, the convolute portion comprises one or more u-shaped annular convolutes.

Accordingly, the present invention also provides a diaphragm pump having a diaphragm which is asymmetrical about its longitudinal axis.

Preferably, the diaphragm has a central portion and a surrounding annular convolute portion having a minimum depth and a maximum depth at diametrically opposed positions around the annular convolute, the convolute depth gradually increasing from the minimum depth to the maximum depth between the diametrically opposed positions along each opposing half-section of the annular convolute.

It will of course be appreciated that the surrounding convolute need not be annular but could be triangular, rectangular, square or any geometric shape provided it has a maximum and a minimum depth at opposed sides of the shape to accommodate the arcuate motion of the pumping arm/lever.

Ideally, a flange is disposed along the free edge of the convolute portion.

Preferably, the flange is an inverted L-shape in cross-section.

Ideally, a locating lug extends from the free end of the inverted L-shaped flange at least one position of the circumference of the flange. Advantageously, the lug prevents the diaphragm from rotating relative to any body it is mounted on by engaging with an aperture formed in the body.

Ideally, the central portion is a plate.

Preferably, the plate is a flat disc.

Ideally, the plate has an ovoid shape.

Ideally, the central portion has a diaphragm support plate mounted thereon which is fixed to a pumping arm/handle of the diaphragm pump.

Preferably, the central portion has a peripheral upwardly and inwardly protruding lip defining a partially enclosed recess for securely retaining the diaphragm support plate.

Advantageously, the hinge which normally connects the pumping arm/handle to the symmetrical diaphragm of a standard bilge pump is no longer required as a result of the incorporation of the diaphragm asymmetrical about its longitudinal axis.

Ideally, the diametrical position at which the depth of the surrounding annular convolute is at a minimum is located proximal to the mounting point of the pumping arm/handle to a base of the diaphragm pump and the diametrically opposed maximum depth of the convolute is located distal to the mounting point of the pumping arm/handle to the base.

Preferably, a diameter extending between the minimum depth of the convolute and the maximum depth of the convolute is substantially aligned with the pumping plane of the pumping arm/handle.

Ideally, the diaphragm is manufactured from Santoprene™

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show, by way of example only, one embodiment of a diaphragm and diaphragm pump in accordance with the invention. In the drawings:—

Fig. A is a plan view of a prior art diaphragm;

Fig. B is a cross-sectional view of the prior art diaphragm of Fig. A;

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a diaphragm of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the diaphragm of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the diaphragm of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a base of a diaphragm pump;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a pumping arm/handle of a diaphragm pump; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an assembled diaphragm pump.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figs. A and B, there is shown a plan and cross-sectional view of a prior art diaphragm indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The diaphragm 1 has a plate 2 and a symmetrical annular convolute 3 surrounding the plate 2. The convolute 2 has a peripheral flange 4.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a plan view, a cross-sectional view and a perspective cross-sectional view respectively are shown of the diaphragm of the present invention, the diaphragm being indicated generally by the reference numeral 11. The diaphragm 11 is asymmetrical about its longitudinal axis 12. The diaphragm 11 has a plate 14 surrounded by an annular u-shaped convolute 15 having a maximum depth 16 and a minimum depth 17 at diametrically opposed points of the plate 14. The depth of the convolute 15 gradually increases from the minimum depth 17 to the maximum depth 16 between the diametrically opposed positions along both opposing half-sections of the annular convolute 15. The diaphragm 11 has a peripheral flange 18 extending from the free end of the convolute 15 distal from the plate 14. The flange 18 is an inverted L-shape in cross-section and a locating lug 101 extends from the free end of the inverted L-shaped flange 18 at one position of the circumference of the flange 18. Advantageously, the locating lug 101 prevents the diaphragm 11 from rotating relative to any body it is mounted on.

Referring now to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, there is shown a diaphragm pump indicated generally by the reference numeral 31, see FIG. 6, having a base 32, see FIG. 4, and a pumping arm/handle 33, see FIG. 5, pivotally mounted on the base 32 via pivotal mounting bracket 34, 35. An asymmetrical diaphragm 11 is mounted on the diaphragm pump 31 and the plate 14 has a peripheral upwardly and radially inwardly protruding lip 21, see FIG. 3, defining a partially enclosed recess 24 for securely retaining a diaphragm support plate 22, see FIG. 4. The diaphragm support plate 22 has a connector 23 for engaging an undercut slot (not shown) formed in a connector 25 on the pumping arm/handle 33.

The diametrical position at which the depth of the surrounding annular u-shaped convolute 15 is at a minimum 17 is located proximal to the pivotal mounting bracket 34, 35 and the diametrically opposed maximum depth 16 of the convolute 15 is located distal from the mounting bracket 34, 35. The movement of the diaphragm 11 is arcuate and therefore less material and depth of convolute 15 is required on the inner radius of the arc. The diaphragm 11 is optionally manufactured from Santoprene™.

Variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. 

1-17. (canceled)
 18. A pump diaphragm which is asymmetrical about an axis substantially perpendicular to a main plane of the diaphragm, the diaphragm comprising a central portion and a surrounding convolute portion, the convolute portion having a minimum depth and a maximum depth at opposed positions of the convolute, the convolute depth gradually increasing from the minimum depth to the maximum depth between the opposed positions along each opposing half-section of the convolute.
 19. A diaphragm according to claim 18, wherein the surrounding convolute portion is a surrounding annular convolute portion, the annular convolute portion having a minimum depth and a maximum depth at diametrically opposed positions of the annular convolute, the convolute depth gradually increasing from the minimum depth to the maximum depth between the diametrically opposed positions along each opposing half-section of the annular convolute.
 20. A diaphragm according to claim 18, wherein the diaphragm further comprises a flange disposed along the free edge of the convolute.
 21. A diaphragm according to claim 19, wherein the diaphragm further comprises a flange disposed along the free edge of the convolute.
 22. A diaphragm according to claim 18, wherein the central portion is a plate.
 23. A diaphragm according to claim 19, wherein the central portion is a plate.
 24. A diaphragm according to claim 20, wherein the central portion is a plate.
 25. A diaphragm according to claim 22, wherein the plate is a flat disc.
 26. A diaphragm according to claim 23, wherein the plate is a flat disc.
 27. A diaphragm according to claim 24, wherein the plate is a flat disc.
 28. A diaphragm according to claim 18, wherein the convolute portion comprises one or more u-shaped annular convolutes.
 29. A diaphragm according to claim 19, wherein the convolute portion comprises one or more u-shaped annular convolutes.
 30. A diaphragm according to claim 20, wherein the convolute portion comprises one or more u-shaped annular convolutes.
 31. A diaphragm according to claim 21, wherein the convolute portion comprises one or more u-shaped annular convolutes.
 32. A diaphragm according to claim 22, wherein the convolute portion comprises one or more u-shaped annular convolutes.
 33. A diaphragm according to claim 23, wherein the convolute portion comprises one or more u-shaped annular convolutes.
 34. A diaphragm according to claim 24, wherein the convolute portion comprises one or more unshaped annular convolutes.
 35. A diaphragm according to claim 25, wherein the convolute portion comprises one or more u-shaped annular convolutes.
 36. A diaphragm according to claim 26, wherein the convolute portion comprises one or more u-shaped annular convolutes.
 37. A diaphragm according to claim 27, wherein the convolute portion comprises one or more u-shaped annular convolutes.
 38. A diaphragm pump comprising a diaphragm which is asymmetrical about an axis substantially perpendicular to a main plane of the diaphragm, the diaphragm having a central portion and a surrounding convolute portion, the convolute portion having a minimum depth and a maximum depth at opposed positions of the convolute, the convolute depth gradually increasing from the minimum depth to the maximum depth between the opposed positions along each opposing half-section of the convolute.
 39. A diaphragm pump according to claim 38, wherein the surrounding convolute portion is a surrounding annular convolute portion having a minimum depth and a maximum depth at diametrically opposed positions around the annular convolute portion, the convolute depth gradually increasing from the minimum depth to the maximum depth between the diametrically opposed positions along each opposing half-section of the annular convolute portion.
 40. A diaphragm pump according to claim 38, further comprising a flange disposed along the free edge of the convolute portion.
 41. A diaphragm pump according to claim 39, further comprising a flange disposed along the free edge of the convolute portion.
 42. A diaphragm pump according to claim 38, wherein the central portion comprises a diaphragm support plate mounted thereon, which support plate is fixed to a pumping handle of the diaphragm pump.
 43. A diaphragm pump according to claim 39, wherein the central portion comprises a diaphragm support plate mounted thereon, which support plate is fixed to a pumping handle of the diaphragm pump.
 44. A diaphragm pump according to claim 40, wherein the central portion comprises a diaphragm support plate mounted thereon, which support plate is fixed to a pumping handle of the diaphragm pump.
 45. A diaphragm pump according to claim 38, wherein the central portion comprises a peripheral upwardly and inwardly protruding lip defining a partially enclosed recess for securely retaining the diaphragm support plate.
 46. A diaphragm pump according to claim 39, wherein the central portion has a peripheral upwardly and inwardly protruding lip defining a partially enclosed recess for securely retaining the diaphragm support plate.
 47. A diaphragm pump according to claim 40, wherein the central portion comprises a peripheral upwardly and inwardly protruding lip defining a partially enclosed recess for securely retaining the diaphragm support plate.
 48. A diaphragm pump according to claim 41, wherein the central portion comprises a peripheral upwardly and inwardly protruding lip defining a partially enclosed recess for securely retaining the diaphragm support plate.
 49. A diaphragm pump according to claim 42, wherein the central portion comprises a peripheral upwardly and inwardly protruding lip defining a partially enclosed recess for securely retaining the diaphragm support plate.
 50. A diaphragm pump according to claim 43, wherein the central portion comprises a peripheral upwardly and inwardly protruding lip defining a partially enclosed recess for securely retaining the diaphragm support plate.
 51. A diaphragm pump according to claim 44, wherein the central portion comprises a peripheral upwardly and inwardly protruding lip defining a partially enclosed recess for securely retaining the diaphragm support plate.
 52. A diaphragm pump according to claim 38, wherein the central portion is a plate.
 53. A diaphragm pump according to claim 38, wherein the pump further comprises a base and a pumping handle pivotally mounted on the base, and wherein the position at which the depth of the surrounding convolute is at a minimum is located proximal to the mounting point of the pumping handle and the opposed maximum depth of the convolute is located distal to the mounting point of the pumping handle to the base.
 54. A diaphragm pump according to claim 38, wherein the pump further comprises a base and a pumping handle pivotally mounted on the base, and wherein a diameter extending between the minimum depth of the convolute and the maximum depth of the convolute is substantially aligned with the pumping plane of the pumping handle. 